Kuniyl Kailashnathan (72) opted for ‘voluntary retirement’ from the Gujarat bureaucracy on Saturday, marking the end of an era after his tenure as chief principal secretary to the chief minister ended.
Popularly known in Gujarat’s bureaucratic and political circles, KK held various positions in the state government for 45 years and eventually emerged as a powerhouse under the Narendra Modi government in the state.
When Modi moved to central government in 2014, he continued to be the prime minister’s eyes and ears in Gujarat, often referred to as the “Super CM”.
Therefore, Impact of Kailasanathan’s exit, Officials say the Gujarat bureaucracy – especially IAS and IPS officers – will soon get a feel for how it works.
From Kerala, Post Graduate in Chemistry from University of Madras, Kailashnathan is a 1979 batch Gujarat-cadre officer.
His first appointment as Collector was in Surendranagar district, followed by Surat. Later on, Rural development of Gujarat, occupations, Gujarat Maritime Board, Worked in various departments/corporations like Narmada Board and Urban Development.
of Gujarat Maritime Board BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) policy was developed during his tenure, an IAS officer said.
1994-95Kailasanathan was the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat.
1999 And 2001 When Kailashnathan was the Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad between To solve the water crisis 43 He is credited with developing the Raska plan for emergency water supply to the city – including laying a kilometer-long pipeline.
A senior IAS officer,It was Kailasanathan’s vision that got the Raska project completed in record time. Looking at the coming crisis, came up with the planThaga said.
2001 Eventually, Modi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Soon Kailasanathan He No wonder it caught the eye.
2006 in the word, Kailasanathan to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) Appointed. He’s up on Saturday 18 For years From there to leaveWill not.
2013InHe Chief Minister’s OfficeIn On taking over as Additional Chief Secretary, The Modi government created the post of Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister for Kailasanathan.
Next 11 over the years, He got promotions at regular intervals, And Modi’s the dream Projects such as Gift City, He was given the responsibility of Narmada and now Gandhi Ashram redevelopment works.
After Modi took over as Prime Minister, Three Chief Ministers followed him in Gujarat – Anandiben Patel, Vijay Rupani and Bhupendra Patel. But, Kailasanathan’s height did not decrease.
Let Kailasanathan Chief Secretary, At times he was seen as more powerful than the Chief Ministers (instead of Modi) were. Transfer and promotion of IAS and IPS officersincluding Wu His views are sought even on matters that do not fall within his purview.
The important thing about KK is that he shaped himself according to the situation and changed the attitude of the incumbent chief secretary. If the chief secretary is not very proactive, he will take the initiative and start pressing things. But if the chief secretary is proactive, KK will sit back and watch what happens, a senior official said.
A senior BJP leader acknowledged Kailasanathan’s influence. Many BJP leaders did not like this. Now, if no one is appointed in his place, I see it as a sign that the Chief Minister will have freedom in administration, he said.
Changes may also be seen in the bureaucracy, an official said. “For better or worse, KK ruled the bureaucracy. So, of course, a good administrative system was set up… Naturally, there were biases.
His favorite officers were in coveted positions, And his Disreputable people were constantly marginalized. Marginalized officers did not get a chance to prove their mettle. Now, Since the retirement of K.K, That system is likely to change…Ral Highly respected and treated with special support Officers May be sidelined.
He is his Principal’s office Although retired from office, Kailashnathan is also the Chairman of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, He also continues to be a member of the Executive Committee implementing the Gandhi Ashram Redevelopment Plan. There is no formal information yet on whether he will continue in the works or not.
Meanwhile, KK” to a Governor or Lt. Governor or Prime Minister’s Office etc, Large in the center Position Speculations that are to be provided StrengthDwarf.
The experience KK has and the amount of trust Modi has in him, A senior official said he may be given some responsibilities at the national level.
